

The BelTel
Belfast Telegraph
The BelTel brings you some of Northern Ireland's top journalists, Allison Morris, Sam McBride and Suzanne Breen to name but a few, giving you the inside stories behind what is in the news. Presented by Ciarán Dunbar, the Bel Tel investigates, debates and informs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 13, 2024 • 25min
BONUS: “A dingo’s got my baby” – The story that divided Australia
In August 1980, a pastor, his wife and their three children went on a camping holiday that would change their lives forever and become one of the biggest stories in the world. “A dingo’s got my baby” were the words that divided Australia as Lynn Chamberlain was accused of a shocking crime.Host: Kevin Doyle Guest: Malcolm Brown Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 11, 2024 • 24min
The deaths of the Quinn children, the UVF murder which changed Northern Ireland
The petrol bomb attack happened at the height of bitter disputes over parading Even by the standards of the Troubles the murder of the Quinn brothers on the 12th of July 1998, it shocked NI. The contentious parades issue which had caused deep tensions was changed overnight, albeit never solved, as society saw the issue with a fresh perspective. The horrific deaths of three children forced a rethink on all sides. Liam Tunney joins Ciarán Dunbar to tell the story of the tragedy, and its continuing impact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 9, 2024 • 29min
Ian Paisley: At just 57, what will ex-MP do after shock defeat?
Sam McBride on why Ian Paisley Jr lost his seat and if this is truly the end of Paisleyism. And could he head off and work for Farage or even Trump? Host: Ciarán Dunbar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 5, 2024 • 20min
Suzanne Breen: Fantastic election for Jim Allister, Robin Swann and Sorcha Eastwood
Suzanne Breen, The Belfast Telegraph’s political editor, analyzes the unexpected election results in Northern Ireland, including Jim Allister's victory over Ian Paisley. They discuss the shifts in voter behavior, strategic decisions of political parties, and the performances of various candidates across different constituencies.

Jul 5, 2024 • 15min
General Election NI: DUP disaster – Paisley loses North Antrim, Lagan Valley falls
The DUP have suffered a series of defeats in the general election including Ian Paisley's North Antrim seat.Alliance have won Lagan Valley with Sorcha Eastwood but lost North Down and Stephen Farry.In a great night for them, Sinn Féin have held all their seats comfortably.SDLP hold their seats. The UUP's Robin Swan wins South Antrim Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 3, 2024 • 18min
Jeffrey Donaldson: Sex abuse case goes to trial as charges increase to 18
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson will return to court in the autumn to formally answer historical sex offence charges. He and his wife Lady Eleanor appeared in Court in Newry on Wednesday morning. The number of charges he faces is now 18 - an increase of seven alleged offences since his last appearance in court. Ciarán Dunbar spoke to Liam Tunney and Allison Morris, who were in court in Newry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 2, 2024 • 37min
General Election ’24: BelTel / LucidTalk polls show strong SDLP and Alliance but DUP struggling
NI will elect 18 new MPs on Thursday. Most of the seats seem easy to predict but the pre-election Belfast Telegraph / LucidTalk poll suggests there will be some really close battles, most involving Alliance. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Bill White from Lucid Talk, political commentator Alex Kane, and former election manager with the SDLP - Ray Kennedy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 30, 2024 • 27min
The Falls Road Curfew: The raid on the Official IRA which turned west Belfast against the British Army
On the 3rd of July 1970 the British Army sealed off the lower Falls. A ‘curfew’ is announced. Troops go in, searching for IRA weapons. But the use of CS gas, houses being wrecked, looted even, turns the population against them. Four people died. The Official IRA decided to fight what they called ‘The Battle of the Falls’. The army seized weapons but their standing in west Belfast had been completely changed. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by historian Brian Hanley, and by Belfast Telegraph columnist and author Malachi O’Doherty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 29, 2024 • 26min
BONUS: Taylor Swift - The dark side of fandom
As Taylor Swift brings her Eras Tour to Ireland, we look at how her fans have made her a global success and created an army of followers - some of which have become a threatening force. Host: Ellen Coyne Guests: John Meagher & Clare Martin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 27, 2024 • 27min
‘Walter Mittys’: Why men like Nick Adderley lie about military careers, and Northern Ireland's 'Walts'
A ‘Walter Mitty’ is someone who lies about, or exaggerates, their military service. Being a so-called ‘Walt’ is technically legal in the UK but vigilante ‘Walt hunter’ groups campaigning for legislation against it. Northern Ireland has its fair share of fantasists including one fake cop who called for back-up. Why do they do it, and are they really doing any harm? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph's Kurtis Reid and Olivia Peden, who also spoke to Professor of Defence mental health at Kings College London, Neil Greenberg. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


